Rod line idler



June 16, 1936. D c s'o 2,044,526

ROD L INE IDLER Filed July 2, 1935 o INVENT OR. Dam/1d Emckson m ATT EY.

Patented June 16, 1936 STATES PATENT OFFICE ROD LINE IDLER 1 Claim.

The invention provides novel and unique support and guide means for a reciprocating power line transmission, such as used in oil fields for operating a number of pumps from a given source of power.

The invention provides a device of simple, sturdy and durable structure, involving a few number of parts and not susceptible to disarrangement when properly installed, or to the collection of moisture, sand or other foreign matter tending to detract from its efficiency or shorten its period of service.

While the drawing illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that in adapting the same to meet specific needs and requirements, the design may be varied and changes in the minor details of construction may be resorted to within the scope of the invention as claimed, without departing from the spirit thereof.

For a full understanding of the invention and the merits thereof, reference is to be had to the following description and the drawing hereto attached, in which:

Figure 1 is a vertical, central sectional view illustrative of an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a sectional detail on the line 2-2 of Figure 3.

Figure 3 is a detail section on the line 33 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a side View, the upper end of the post being in section.

Figure 5 is a sectional view of a bearing on the line 5-5 of Figure 6.

Figure 6 is an end view of the bearing.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the head.

Figure 8 is a sectional view of the head on the line 8-8 of Figure 1.

Corresponding and like parts are referred to in the following description and designated in the several views of the drawing by like reference characters.

The head preferably consists of a casting embodying a fork 24 and shank ll. Boxes ID are formed at the upper ends of the fork members. Extensions 23 surmount the boxes and their upper edges slope outwardly and downwardly to prevent lodging of the rod or transmission line 23 on the boxes when displaced from the pulley 8. The boxes [0 are approximately square and disposed with the diagonal axes vertically and horizontally, as shown most clearly in Figure 3, presenting a diamond shaped outline. The boxes are closed except'at the inner and the top side which are open to facilitate removal or placing of the square bearings 18 in position. The lower corners of the boxes are cut away, at l6, to insure alining of the bearings l8 and to provide clearance for moisture, sand, or other foreign matter that may find its way into the boxes. Hollow ribs 26 brace and strengthen the fork head and boxes and connect with the cut away portions It to carry off any matter tending to accumulate. A raised seat I9 is formed upon the inner face of each lower side of the boxes I0 to engage the bearings l8 and prevent any play thereof. This also results in clearance for the escape of any moisture, sand or other matter that may find its way into the boxes. The fork 24 is of channel formation for strength and lightness.

The bearings l8 are square and may be adjusted to compensate for wear and may be of any preferred material, such as processed wood which resists wear and does not require frequent or excessive lubrication. The axle openings 2| are closed at their outer ends to exclude the entrance of moisture, sand and other matter. The extens ons 23 are located at the top and in line with the open sides of the boxes and serve as guides to facilitate the placing of the pulley 8 and bearings I8 in position.

The pulley 8 is grooved to receive the line 22 and is fast to the axle l3, being preferably cast thereon and prevented from displacement by projections ll formed on the axle and embedded in the pulley. Plates or washers 9 at the sides of the pulley 8 close the outer ends of the axle openings 2i and sustain the lateral thrusts of the pulley.

Tubular posts M are positioned along the length of the line and receive the heads and pulleys. The shank ll telescopes the post and is formed at its lower end with projections 92 and at its upper end adjacent the base of the fork with tapering projections 12a which wedgingly engage the upper end of the post to hold the head in place against any movement.

It is noted that the frame, or head, is a one piece structure and being of channel formation is light and strong. The extensions 23 function as guards and guides in the manner stated, besides bracing the boxes [0. The form of the boxes I0 results in preventing displacement of the bearings and pulley by reason of the inward and downward sloping of the lower sides, as best shown in Figure 3.

Having thus described the invention, what I claim is:

A rod line and guide comprising a forked head having substantially square boxes at the upper ends of the fork members and arranged with the diagonal axes in vertical and horizontal position, and the inner and an upper side of the boxes open and having the inner lower corners cut away, and having raised seats upon the inner faces of the lower sides and having hollow ribs connecting with the cut away corner portions, and having tapering projections adjacent the base of the fork to wedgingly engage the support to which the head is fitted.

DAVID ERICKSON. 

